Whitewater Ski Resort

Geography

Whitewater Ski Resort is situated in the southern section of the Selkirk Mountains.

The skiable area of the resort, comprising 478ha/1,180ac, is contained by a north-facing bowl that is dominated by Ymir Peak. The backcountry around the resort represents a huge amount of additional terrain. In response to local demand for backcountry access, Whitewater offers single-ride chairlift tickets, and makes avalanche safety packs and local safety bulletins available at the rental shop.

Skiing Terrain

The lodge is at 1,646m/5,400ft, while the top of the Summit Chair is at 2,040m/6,700ft. Don't be deterred by the resort's relatively short vertical – a full day of skiing at Whitewater will likely not leave downhillers wanting for more!

Cross-Country Ski Trails

The resort's 20km/12mi of challenging cross-country ski trails can be found on south-facing slopes below the lodge, at the dog-leg in the valley.

Nelson

The closest town, and the location of the nearest hotel room, is Nelson. Described by Ski Canada Magazine as "one of the best little ski towns," this small city is situated on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake at a much lower elevation (580m/1,902ft), approximately 12km/7.5mi northwest of Whitewater Ski Resort.

Climate & Weather

Nelson enjoys four distinct seasons, although the proximity of Kootenay Lake mitigates extreme temperatures and tends to create localized cloud cover in the winter. Average winter lows and highs in Nelson are -4.9°C/23°F and a balmy 0.6°C/33°F.

Up at Whitewater, it's a different story. Whitewater Ski Resort receives a whopping annual snowfall of 13.5m/45ft, with winter temperatures averaging -8°C/18°F. When it's cloudy in Nelson, the sun is often shining at Whitewater.